The Never List: A Novel by Koethi Zan

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Jennifer and Sarah are BFFs.  They do everything together, including making a long list of nevers called the "never list".  Something tragic happened to them in their youth, so they have decided to live by this coda of rules that will keep them safe.  As years pass, the list gets longer and the girls get more diligent about their safety.  However, once they are in college, they start ignoring the "never list" and just embrace the college experience.  They go to parties, drink, and have fun.  But they do always remember to hire a taxi service to pick them up - they know not to drive drunk (though they never drive) and not to walk home inebriated late at night.  What they don't expect is that the car service they have been using all year long would turn out to be their biggest mistake.

After a party one night, the girls get into their taxi.  However, this time they quickly realize that this taxi isn't like their usual ones.  But by then its too late - pepper spray and cell phones won't help them now.  The girls are drugged and taken down into a cellar where they are held captive with two other girls.  Horrible things happen to all four of them as they await their inevitable tragic end.  Years go by and darkness enshrouds them, and hope ceases to exist.  And then one day they are free.  Well, all except for Jennifer who didn't make it out of the cellar. As for what happens to the girls after they get out, well, lets just say that identities change, letters are received, secrets are revealed, and truths are discovered.  Of course, nothing is as shocking as when you learn about Sarah and the way she chose to survive down in that cellar - your jaw will drop! 

The Never List is a riveting read that will have you flipping pages and checking to make sure your doors and windows are locked.  Its a book that will creep you out with its ripped from the headlines story, because as we all know - these types of things do happen.  I swear to you that I could not get any sleep the night I finished this book - I kept waking up from nightmares. Of course, that won't stop me from urging you to pick up a copy and give this book a read.  It is just so damn good - you won't help but be captivated by the story.  And the writing is terrific - its full of suspense, mystery, and intense moments that will have you gasping out loud in horrified shock.  I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I read this book and I kept biting my nails (I was so stressed out with anxiety over what would happen next).  I've even started to think about creating my own never list - one that will have "Never get in the car!!" emblazoned at the top.  So, yes, I would most definitely recommend Koethi Zan's debut novel, The Never List.  It is a must read!!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley!!